Archive for April, 2009

Why is Wedding Photography So Expensive? I mean really… how much does it cost to take a few digital pictures? I understand the sentiment out there but the reality is much different. To have someone photograph your wedding, they really have to be a professional. To be a professional wedding photographer, they need to fully commit themselves to the job. That means a lot of things but what’s most important to the couple getting married is that they can trust their photographer. To build that trust we (photographers) need to do everything we can to be the best we can be. So what about the nitty gritty? What cost’s so much? The obvious costs would be:

Assistants, at the wedding and in the studio

Albums

Prints and products

But there are other costs that if your photographer is aware of, then you know that he/she knows what they’re doing and a true professionals, things like:

Taxes-professionals are not going to cut you a deal if you pay in cash because we have to pay those taxes regardless of what we charge you. 20% comes off of the top of your wedding payment, that’s big

Health Insurance-this one is also huge, i.e $1000/month is not uncommon for a family

Shipping-it really adds up at the end of the year

Insurance-your photographer should be fully insured for accidents, liability and equipment

Equipment-woah, these cameras are around $5K each, and you have to have a backup

That’s just to name a few. There are even more costs but I’ll spare you the pain of listing them all. In short, if your photographer doesn’t charge close to the average (national average wedding photography cost is $2800) there is a good chance, they will be out of business in 10 years.

Who says the “terrible two’s” are that bad. This little guy was so fun, a dream to photograph. Even though this photo shoot is part of the traveling studio series, Mom and Dad drove in to Boston to have their precious little boy photographed by yours truly. East Boston has lots of parks to photograph in, as well as lots of little nooks and crannies with tons of character. Check out the blue background photo… love it!

These photos were taken at and near Pier’s Park. It’s a great location for photos, especially if you’re getting married at The Harborside Hyatt or Spinelli’s.

Do vendors need to have meals at the wedding? And if so, does the wedding couple provide it or does the caterer? It’s a good question and one that is asked quite often. In short, the couple needs to let the caterer know how many extra meals will be needed for vendors. You should also remember to find out if your vendors are bringing assistants and how many in total. But that’s not the only thing to consider.

Another issue to think about is when are your vendors are getting fed. For example, if you want to maximize the time that your photographer is actually taking photos, have the caterer feed them first. What always happens is that the vendors get fed last after all of the guests. They have to sit around while everyone is eating, then when people are almost finishing dinner, that’s when the vendors sit down to eat. Not the most logical way to do it. For example, when dinner is being passed out and people begin eating, there aren’t many great photo op’s. Rightfully so, the photographer won’t be photographing people as they’re inserting a fork in their mouth.

Instead, let the caterer know to feed the vendors first, that way they get done eating first and are ready to start working as soon as the guests are finished eating. Keeping an eye on the vendor meals will ensure a smooth dining experience at your wedding, and that you’re getting the most work out of your vendors.

Here we have the latest from our traveling studio. Photographing babies is so rewarding. Mainly because we are always able to get a good shot. Photographing kids in the home environment is really the best way to do it. There’s no waiting in line at the portrait studio while your child gets tired or bored. There’s no rush to get the next kid in there, it’s just you. Got any particular ideas or any specific photos you want taken? Simply let us know, we’re happy to do it.

Every so often I will do a commercial job like this one. It was definitely fun to do something new. Wm Duggan Moving Company, a subsidiary of Atlas Van Lines is leading the industry in green technology. Yes, they have a hybrid moving truck. In addition to their clean-green moving truck, there office was amazingly clean as well. That’s quite a rarity in the moving business. Needless to say they are consummate professionals and run a tight ship. If you’re relocating and looking for a moving company, check out hybrid moving truck.com

I had the pleasure of attending a lecture presented by Russell Hart, the editor of American Photo magazine. After viewing the work on my website he said he “really liked the pictures” and had these kind words to say about us, “The work is hip but accessible, and visually sophisticated without detracting from the obvious sentiment involved.” A warm thanks goes out to Mr. Russell Hart for his appreciative words.

Here are the most recent additions to our new portrait site that we are currently working on. For this portrait session we traveled to the family’s home in Mansfield. Mom was really helpful and played the art director’s role very well.